Kenyan student speaks about election violence at home
by Natalie Gould, Guest Writer
The words murder, machete, and massacre are not ones often associated with an election, but recently for Kenyans, such is the case. Controversy over the December 27th reelection of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has led way to a violent uproar of the people.
It started as a routine election scheduled to take place every five years. Mwai Kibaki had been in office for several years and the citizens of Kenya were ready for a much needed change. Raila Odinga was ready to step up and offer this change and a ratification of the antiquated constitution.
Most of the youth was in favor of Odinga, and the night before the results were announced, polls showed Odinga was leading the race by half of a million votes. However, on the morning of December 29th, the chairman of the electoral commission of Kenya, Samuel Kivuitu, announced that Mwai Kibaki had won the election. Instantly, the country erupted and speculation of a rigged election was on the lips of the Kenyans. A recount of the votes is u npr omi s i ng because all power lies in the hands of the president, so unless Kibaki agrees to it, nothing more can be done.
Although we may feel thousands of miles away from this eruption of violence, it holds special importance for freshman Ernest Nasiombe. He is from the tribe of Luhya which is one of the predominate warring tribes against Kibaki, who is from the tribe of Kikuyu. Nasiombe says that his parents are in a safe place away from the force of the riots, but his brother and sister are right in the heat of it.
"At first, you could not even step outside your house without fear of being killed. Every store and business closed down which of course led way to much robbery. It is getting better each day, but you still are afraid of leaving the house," says said Nasiombe.
Not only does this reaction to the election affect the citizens of Kenya, it is disintegrating its tourist-friendly reputation. Kenya has been very high on the priority list of travelers worldwide due to its unspoiled beauty, it's safety, and the graciousness of its inhabitants. According to CNN.com, the violence may not even affect the tourists. The aggressors are not interested in injuring those who have nothing to do with the controversy. Though this may be the case, any vacationer will think twice before embarking to Kenya.
"It's especially sad because our reputation is ruined. We have been a peaceful nation for over 16 years. We are not a violent nation, and this happens and everyone's opinions are changed to think Kenya is an unsafe place to be, when it is not at all," said Nasiombe.
The riots are not ones of minimal proportions. Over 600 have been killed and some 250,000 displaced, leaving this nation in a state of turmoil and uncertainty. Nasiombe said most people who live close enough are moving to Uganda to try to escape the present situation and any more escalation that could transpire in the near future.
So where does this leave George Fox? There are several organizations that are doing what they can to provide some of the basic needs for these burdened Kenyans. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an example of one of the several organizations devoted to providing medical supplies, surgical expertise, and delivering food to those who have fled their homes. Other organizations sharing the same vision include the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), World Vision, Concern, and the World Food Program. Each of these websites has a place to donate money or a contact address to send items or food for those who wish to help. And above all, pray.